The Eagles signed DeSean Jackson to a five-year, $51 million contract, the team announced today in a stunning move that locks up the talented but mercurial wide receiver and answers one of the team's biggest offseason questions.

"We are thrilled to be able to keep one of the NFL's top playmakers in Philadelphia," Andy Reid said in a news release. "DeSean is a game breaker, he has the speed and ability to score from anywhere on the field, and he has proven himself to be a big threat for our offense."

There's no doubt about that. The question was whether the Eagles would pay Jackson long-term after a down season that included a training camp hold out, a missed meeting and Jackson's being benched for poor play against the Patriots. The Eagles answered on Wednesday, taking another step to lock up home grown talent after previously extending the contracts of Todd Herremans and Trent Cole.

Poll

Are you happy the Eagles locked up wide receiver DeSean Jackson for at last five years?

Yes. He's going to be one of the best recievers in the NFL next season.

No. He's not as good as he thinks he is.

Doesn't matter. The Eagles have enough stars that having him is no big deal.

"Signing our own players was a big priority for us this offseason and DeSean was certainly high on our list," Reid said. "We are very excited about his future as an Eagle."

Jackson's deal is in between those recently signed by Vincent Jackson -- five years, $55.6 million -- and Pierre Garcon, five years, $42.5 million. The Eagles are giving Jackson roughly $15 million guaranteed, according to ProFootballTalk, less than the $20.5 million Washington promised to Garcon.